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In Scotland, tours of Scotch distilleries are numerous, and they vary in length and regional focus. Originally known in Gaelic as "water of life," "Uisge Beatha" was eventually shortened to "usky," and came to be known as whiskey. Only whiskey made in Scotland can rightfully be called Scotch whisky -- with the "e" omitted. Whether your tour is self-guided or a guided sipping-good-time, you will enjoy an educational excursion. An orderly and complete tour of Scotch distilleries includes the islands and the west coast, the central highlands, Orkney and the north of Scotland, Islay Isle, the Lowlands and Speyside.

The Whisky Coast

The Atlantic-facing coast of western Scotland has long been known as "The Whisky Coast." The rolling hills and mountains of Scotland and the Isles lying just off the coast house many distilleries that offer tours and tastings and heritage centers that highlight the history of the manufacture of Scotch. One of the better-known Scotches of this region is produced by the Talisker Distillery, the sole such operation on the Isle of Skye. The Talisker tour includes a pre-tour dram, a peek at the production area and a discount coupon for the on-site whiskey store.

The Central Highlands

The Central Highlands region comprises the county of Perth and the southern portion of Inverness County. Of the seven area distilleries, the oldest and most well-known is Glenturret, the creators of Famous Grouse Scotch Whisky. On the 2-dram "Experience Tour," you will learn how the Scotch is made and blended. For visitors who prefer an expanded tasting experience, the 5-dram malt-tasting adventure allows you to further educate your palate. Finally, on the 90-minute Warehouse No. 9 tour, you will be guided through a flight of whiskeys ranging from 10 to 30 years old.

Orkney and the North of Scotland

Windy northern Scotland is home to eight distilleries, and the Island of Orkney has one of the oldest. Established in 1798, Orkney's Highland Park, the world's northernmost distillery, creates its brew from the hard waters of Crantit Spring. The visitor's tour centers around the history of the distillery and its traditional distilling methods. One of the best-recognized Scotch brands from the north region is Glenmorangie. Spend the night at Glenmorangie House where your room rate includes afternoon tea, dinner and a pre-dinner dram with canapes. The master-tasting class covers everything from recognizing the Scotch bouquet to understanding the label.

Islay Isle

The Isle of Islay boasts nine productive distilleries, including Laphroaig, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Bruichladdich, Bowmore, Port Charlotte, Port Ellen Maltings and Lagavulin. You can arrange tours of these establishments by contacting the distilleries individually or through guided tour services. Both Rabbie's Trail Burners and Scottish Routes host a four-day Islay Whisky Tour that combine sightseeing with whiskey tastings in at least seven of the distilleries. The all-inclusive Scottish Routes tour provides distillery admission, lodging and meals created with local produce and seafood. All food, drink and admissions are extra on the Rabbie's tour.

The Lowlands

Once the main region producing whiskey and the birthplace of mass-produced whiskey, located south of Edinburgh and Glasgow on the way to England, the Lowlands now only have three functioning distilleries. If contacted directly, Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie will allow tourists to visit the distillery, explore the area and taste the whiskey, but they are not commonly included in standard organized tours. Tiny Bladnoch, the last of the Lowland distilleries, allows a tour of the mash house and an explanation of the Scotch process from grain to cask, ending with a "wee dram."

Speyside

Between the Findhorn and Deveron rivers, Speyside is a virtual cask of distilleries, including the well-known Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Glen Moray and Macallan brands as well as smaller enterprises. This region is best-explored at a leisurely pace during a multi-day or custom tour. On Rabbie's Whisky Trail Tour, you may join a small group on a Mercedes mini-coach for a three-day excursion to a minimum of four distilleries. The family-owned Benromach Distillery offers a personal history along with a distillation demonstration, and in nearby Elgin you will be privy to the secrets of the bottling process.

About the Author

Raechel Donahue is an author, journalist and former features editor of the Brentwood News. Her specialties include travel, food and film. She performs a weekend show on BossBossRadio.com, runs a travel website and has written, produced and directed several PBS documentaries. A native Californian, Donahue currently lives in France.